As pope becomes more frail, talk of resignation no longer taboo

Catholic News Service ^ | 2 June A.D. 2002 | John Thavis

[Lady In Blue]

"some of us" also don't think there's anything wrong with the Masons either!

18 posted on 6/2/02 4:26 PM Pacific by Lady In Blue

I meant that to be sarcastic,of course!

[sinkspur]

Dante called the action of a medieval pope who resigned and was replaced by a wicked successor, "il gran refuto," and he gave him a place in hell in the Divine Comedy for resigning.

Yea, but the Church canonized that Pope, Celestine V.

Shows what Dante knew.

[sinkspur]

If Parkinson's takes its normal course, JPII will become incapacitated at some point.

Who will be "running" the Church?

[andysandmikesmom]

I worked in nursing homes for many, many years, and took care of so many Parkinsons patients during their final months and years....

You are so correct about this being a slow, degenerative disease, that leaves its victim, at the very end, in a terribly debilitated state...often unable to move, unable to speak, virtually unable to do anything at all and having to have their every need attended to....many also develop dementia....most are completely bedridden at the end...

But its also true, that Parkinsons can follow different paths at different rates for different individuals...Its obvious that the Pope is ill, and that much of what he does in the course of his duties, is painful for him...yet, bless his heart, he endures...

I am not Catholic, but do admire the Pope...I only pray, that he will be true to himself and to God, and do what he thinks is in the best interest of his flock...

Yet, its difficult to know if there are behind the scenes actions taken by those who surround the Pope, whether to try to keep him as Pope, past the point where he is able to function on his own, to those who would try to rid the Church of him, in hopes of securing a Pope more to their own ideals...

I do know, that should the Pope continue to decline, both physically and mentally, there is a real problem involved here, and I have no answers for the dilemma...

I just continue to pray for the Pope, and for his well being...

[SamAdams76]

This is nonsense. Popes don't resign!

Why not? Can the church expect to be well-served by some senile old man who probably belongs in a nursing home? I consider the current reign an absymal failure as it is due to the indecision and inaction regarding the horrific and massive sex scandal caused by homosexual predators masquerading as priests and other clergy in order to defile and destroy the lives of innocent children.

Time to get a younger Pope elected who will have the energy to clean the church out from top to bottom and restore the Catholic Church to its former glory once again.

But hey, it ain't my church so if others who belong to it want to see it continue on its path to ruin, so be it. It's a shame though.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

Exactly.

[MarMema]

My hope is for one who is less ecumenically-minded, personally.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

DG, what you say is true. My Italian Catholic grandparents lived in southern Italy for over half of their lives. They used to say it was common knowledge that when the higher ups wanted to get rid of somebody, they just put a little something in their drink. Of course, Italians are so used to corruption in their government and the like, they say this matter of factly with a little shrug of their shoulders like "What can you do?"

For a very compelling read, check out 'In God's Name, The Murder of Pope John Paul I' by David A. Yallop. The author is not Catholic but was contacted by people inside the Vatican and supplied with documents and information that is difficult if not impossible to get otherwise. The book is detailed and well written. Yallop is not a big fan of the Catholic Church but he for the most part is able to remain objective. The Vatican has never refuted the specifics of the book but simply issued general condemnations. Players in that book were also shielded in the Vatican, which is one reason I fear Cardinal Law will disappear there at some point and not return to America.

So little is known about JP I, but from all accounts he was a simple, humble, honest and holy man. If this story is true, then he was a martyr for the Faith. I often wonder if they exhumed his body if it would be found incorrupt.

[Cap'n Crunch]

VIVA PAPA!

Thank you Lord for such a fine Pope.

[troublesome creek]

art bell thought malachi was VERY credible, so he must've.....uh..uh.. on second thought...never mind.

[bigeggo]

Back in the 70's (or early 80's) Malachi Martin was the religious correspondent for National Review magazine.

[nickcarraway]

Most people would be lucly to ever be as sharp as John Paul II is now. During the course of his life, he has escaped death an amazing number of times. The people who are counting him out are sorely mistaken. He may outlive many of the people currently rushing him.

[nickcarraway]

You should be ashamed of yourself for your unChristian thoughts.

[humblegunner]

"VIVA PAPA!"

Long live potatos??

[Cap'n Crunch]

ah, no.

[Siobhan]

The Holy Father needs prayers not speculation on his retirement. I have a very visceral reaction to anyone trying to usher John Paul II out the door. In due time he will be known as John Paul the Great and perhaps St. John Paul the Great. Even in his frail state, he has more going for him than almost any Cardinal because he has been anointed by God to be the Vicar of Christ.

[Malacoda]

Even in his frail state, he has more going for him than almost any Cardinal because he has been anointed by God to be the Vicar of Christ.

Indeed. I truly believe with all my heart that the finger of God chose our beloved Pope. He has been a wonder, and I pray for him every day. I believe that he will continue to carry his burden courageously until God brings him home to rest.

I can only hope and pray that the College of Cardinals will allow the will of God to move them when it comes time to select our next Pope.

[Chemnitz]

JP I was bumped off by the Notre Dame fan club. During his brief reign they lost two games in a row - at home. It had never happened before. He had to go! Once JP II was elected, Notre Dame went on to win the national football championship under the late Dan Devine.

If the Knights of Columbus off me, you will know why. I told.

[Angelique]

You couldn't be more correct about the Pope needing our prayers. I believe a lot of the speculation comes from outsided the Church Why I have even heard it on the news.